Review: “Is This The Moment?” By Bash Ft. Aysia

“Is this the moment” is a spoken word poem written by Bash and a lament on the state of Nigeria.

The price has so many themes which include security, change, tribalism, honour, bribery, prostitution, migration, currency, system of government, and resource.

At a time when Nigeria is being ruled by the APC party in a democratic system, we are forced to ask; is this present state we are in the change they promised us? Now that the President has been voted in for a second term, will he truly take us to the next level?

If I would take a guess, I would say this poem was written four years ago. Bash mentioned that “Nigeria is 54 and counting” which refers the time he wrote the piece. It means that was when this present government came Into power…

In this poem, Bash started by asking vital questions which have been bordering in the minds of almost every Nigerian, “is this the moment we have all been waiting for?” In the course of the poem, he mentioned several issues that Nigerians have. Problems we are trying to overcome every day of our lives. So with this government’s return, “will the heart of Africa beat again?”
So many campaign promises have been made, yet “bring back our girls has become a chant”. Boys are migrating to Indonesia to “hustle”. Girls are prostituting to make ends meet.

The situation of the country painted in the piece is really horrible. “It is so bad that we have armed men in our place of worship. A place that is supposed to be a safe haven. Police arr busy collecting bribe on roads, graduates are hawking on the streets for lack of employment.

We need find our place back as Africa’s pride. “Where change is not just the flicking of a traffic light.” “That our soldiers will serve with honour and be honoured.”
“Where getting a job with the civil service has nothing to do with pride.”
“That the definition of our collective has noticed to do with clan nor region.”
“Where hard work had a face and had nothing to do with Religion.”

I liked were he said “we have stood indivisible for 54 years and counting.” It means despite all our problems, there is hope. It is “a proof of triumph” indeed. Because our heroes past have already made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf, people like, Aguiyi Ironsi, Tafawa Balewa, Murtala Muhammed, Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obasanjo, Shehu Shagari and many others.
“The hope of a nation once shroud in Amadu Bello’s turban.”

Figures of speech used.
Symbolism
‘Green white and green” stands for unity peace and progress.
Our past heroes mention represent the fight for independence.

Repetition
“Is this the moment we have been waiting for?” Which the tool of question was also used to lay emphasis. This line was repeated several times in the peace.

Allusion
The mention of Nigerian heroes was used to make an allusion to the past.

Imageries
“Troops and boots”
“Blood and guns”
“Pelted flesh”. This all paints a picture of war.

Personification
“The heart of Africa”. Africa is not a living thing. “Drumbeat of promise”, “oiling the life nation’s drive”, “humble dreams”.

Alliteration
“Bring back”
“Coups and counter coups”.

Vera